Tracy's wealth of medical experience in military, educational settings enriches Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Associates

Dr. James M. Tracy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Associates

By: Michelle Leach

Dr. James M. Tracy's military service and medical appointments have taken him from Maine to California and Texas to North Dakota. But it is Nebraska where Tracy calls home where he has contributed to the robust health of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Associates and, in turn, the vitality of Omahans suffering from such conditions for the past 16 years.

"I figured out I'm a Midwesterner" the native Minnesotan said.

Tracy, who formerly served in the Air Force, as a consultant to the Air Combat Command Surgeon for Allergy & Immunology at Offutt Air Force Base. Tracy learned about an opportunity to stay in Nebraska and joined AAIA, which a friend in the Air Force who was familiar with the practice told him about. Tracy left active duty in 1995.

"The Air Force wanted me to move and at the time my oldest son was in sixth grade and had attended five different schools," Tracy said, when asked about what prompted his transition from military to civilian work. "It worked out well for me, we loved Nebraska and we didn't have to move again."

At the time when Tracy joined AAIA, he both replaced an associate who recently moved out of state and freed up Dr. Roger H. Kobayashi to pursue a teaching interests at UCLA.

Kobayashi, Tracy and Dr. Brett V. Kettelhut represent the team of doctors at AAIA's Omaha location in the Westgate Professional Center at 2808 South 80th Avenue. Dr. Fred Kiechel III, Dr. Kirk A. Kinberg, Dr. Vinay Mehta and Dr. Michael A. Sullivan III staff the AAIA's capital city location in the Gateway Professional Building on 600 North Cotner Boulevard.

On a given day, Tracy and his colleagues may see children with eczema, teens with asthma and adults with chronic lung or sinus infections.

A pediatrician by training, having completed pediatric residencies at the David Grant USAF Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base in California, Tracy said his current practice has a blended client base - 50/50 adults and children.

"We get a little shift between children and adults during the year, but it's a diverse practice, and that really hasn't changed much," Tracy said.

It is a common misconception, he said, that the patients AAIA he sees with allergies are just suffering from seasonal conditions.

"Seasonal allergies are important, but perennial allergies often are more problematic," Tracy said. "The symptoms tend to be more subtle."

For example, Tracy said people who have chronic sinus problems may actually have indoor allergies like dust mites or mold.

Around this time of year, Tracy indicated, people who often think they have winter colds or sinus infections may actually have allergies, with symptoms such as stuffiness, fatigue and headaches.

Another misconception, Tracy said, is that children can be "too young" to be allergy tested. Strictly speaking, no age limitations exist with regard to allergy testing. What does change is what allergens we test for.

Generally speaking, there are many people who think they are allergic, but do not have allergies.

"And there are lots of people who don't think they have allergies, but do," Tracy said.

He said it is especially common in the winter for parents to give their children allergy medications when they do not have allergies.

"And medications are not without their side effects, so you have to figure out who has what," Tracy said.

As Tracy alluded to, there are a number of misconceptions regarding the conditions AAIA relieves or treats among the general public. In turn, Tracy has made educating his patients a priority.

He educates groups as a volunteer with the American Lung Association. The AAIA website also includes a section dedicated to information on a lengthy list of conditions and treatments, including how to care for dry skin, information on cat allergies, irritable bowel syndrome and lactose intolerance.

Though websites and now social networking, such as Facebook and Twitter, provide forums to disseminate information and educate the public, Tracy indicated the educational outreach that resonates most is still one-on-one attention to patient's needs in a confidential setting.

Education is a thread that binds Tracy's career. He is an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Creighton University, and was appointed to assistant professor of clinical pediatrics 14 years ago at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. In the late 1980s, Tracy also served as a professor of pediatrics at the University of North Dakota.

Tracy graduated from the University of Maryland-College Park in 1979 and the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1984.

He later served as chief of pediatrics and medical services at Grand Forks Air Force Base, and holds leadership positions with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tracy, call (402) 391-1800. For more information on Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Associates of Omaha and Lincoln, visit www.allergynebraska.com.

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